What are the peak flu months?

Is the flu vaccine 100% effective in preventing the flu?

No, it’s 70%-90% effective. It depends on the strains of flu that are in the vaccine compared to the strain that is spreading during flu season.

Beside the vaccine, what are other effective ways of preventing the flu?

Hand washing regularly, coughing into your shoulder rather than your hands or forearm, limiting the amount you touch your face, and avoiding contact with others who are sick.

Are there more than one strain of the flu virus in the vaccine?

Yes. The number of strains ranges but typically there are more than one strain in the vaccine.

Who should be vaccinated?

The elderly, children, those with compromised immune systems, pregnant women and those living in close living environments (college students).

Who should not get vaccinated?

If you have a severe allergy to chicken or eggs, have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccination in the past, children under 6 months, of if you have a fever.

Question: How does the flu spread?

The flu spreads from person to person in respiratory droplets when people who are infected cough or sneeze. The person becomes infected through inhalation, or by touching something with the virus on it then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What to do if You Feel Sick

If you are running a fever, have a cough and/or sore throat, go home and get better. If you are unable to go home, you should stay in your room until you no longer have a fever. If you have any questions or concerns, you may call Health Services for more information: 508.565.1307.

Stay home.

Drink plenty of fluids such as water, juice, chicken broth.

Wash your hands, cover your cough and sanitize your living space if you share a room with someone.